The highlight of the class was the multi-genre paper workshop. I am still not fully confident with it, so it was very helpful to see the work of the other group.
We also had a great discussion about what a teachable moment is. To me, a teachable moment is when a student brings up something I did not plan to talk about, but feel that it would be beneficial if we did. It can be a cultural issue, a job-related tip, personal experience etc. Although, teachable moments tend to have a reverse side as well. Last year one of the students asked me practically mid-class: You know, my colleague is always telling me something, and I don't understand the meaning. Could you help me? Since we were in a job-interview unit, I felt it was a perfectly teachable moment and encouraged the question. Turned out that the co-worker hated her and the utterance was totally obscene. I had to explain the meaning to the giggling of those, who already knew it, and curious stares of those, who didn't. After that, all such questions (and you can't imagine how many people are irritated by ELL at the workplace) were discussed on breaks, and one-on-one. Conclusion - be careful of seemingly perfect teachable moments.
4 comments:
Good point re. teachable moments.
A painfully learned lesson :)
I continue to be amazed at the number of people who have issues with ELL in this country. I wish I had the motivation to learn another language well, and I am quite jealous of those who have.
Teachable moments are special times I like them:)
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